The Basics

Arrival

Lambert isn’t the sexiest airport you’ve ever been in, but recent renovations make it perfectly serviceable. It’s about 15-20 minutes from there to most of the places you’ll want to go to—but public transportation is basically non-existent in St. Louis, so plan on getting picked up, taking an Uber, or renting a car.

Lodging

To maximize your time and cut back on commuting, we recommend you stay somewhere central, like Clayton, the Central West End, or Midtown. Check out our St. Louis hotel guide for a deeper dive.

Transportation

While St. Louis does have public transportation—the Metrolink, busses, the Loop Trolley—it only services a relatively part of the St. Louis metro area. What St. Louis lacks in public transportation it makes up in, uh, cars. You probably want to rent a car, just for the sake of time.

Get Your Culture On

Aside from your list of must-see cultural/tourist attractions, here are some slightly off the beaten path to consider.

THE CITY MUSEUM

In its own words, City Museum is an "eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion and architectural marvel." What else do you need to know? Once an old shoe factory, this oddball museum is now a bastion of inspiration and quirky coolness in both the St. Louis art and tourism scenes.

KEEP IN MIND

While you’re making your way through the Everyday Circus performers and extensive taxidermy collection, be mindful of the 3rd floor—it’s been home to long-running rumors of hauntings. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but open late (and popular with adults) on Fridays and Saturdays.

BEER, BEER, AND MORE BEER

Unless you live under a rock, you know that Anheuser-Busch was started in St. Louis. You should definitely take their brewery tour, but also take note that the greater St. Louis area has over 60 other breweries. Schlafly, Urban Chestnut, 4 Hands, and Side Project are arguably the big four, but do not fear: you’ll have no problem finding great beer just about anywhere in town.

KEEP IN MIND

Check out the brewery websites so you can plan accordingly if you’re looking for a tour. Some sell tickets, some require appointments, etc.

TOWER GROVE FARMERS MARKET

If sipping on a fresh fruit smoothie, browsing locally grown veggies, and free yoga is your idea of a Saturday well-spent, head to the Tower Grove Farmers Market. This friendly market combines farm vendors, food trucks, artisans, free yoga, occasional live music, and a playground for kiddos, all within the beautiful Tower Grove Park. We can’t think of a more perfect place to spend a sunny Saturday morning in fresh produce paradise.

KEEP IN MIND

Vendor prices can be on the higher side but we think it’s worth it for the delicious fresh flavors and welcoming environment.

Still looking for more things to do? Check out some of our other guides, like Where to See Live Music in St. Louis and our 8 Favorite Tourist Spots (Actually Worth Visiting).

Neighborhoods to Stroll

If we had to pick three neighborhoods to hang out in, it'd be the three below. Want to dive deeper? Check out our Olio 8: St. Louis Neighborhoods Guide.

THE GROVE

The glowing neon signs over Manchester Avenue signal that you’ve entered this vibrant, eclectic neighborhood between Vandeventer and Kingshighway. The Grove is home to some great restaurants, a brewery, a tattoo shop, a yoga studio, funky street art and some of the city’s best nightlife, including many LGBT-friendly haunts.

KEEP IN MIND

This area is known for being eclectic and alternative - it’s the host of St. Louis’s annual World Naked Bike Ride, after all - so expect an anything-goes vibe wherever you go.

MAPLEWOOD

This growing neighborhood on the outskirts of the city limits is full of life, character, great boutiques and even better restaurants. You could stop in Penzey’s Spices and Larder and Cupboard to stock up your kitchen, check out the vintage goods at Roots, and then grab a beer and listen to live music at Schlafly Bottleworks.

KEEP IN MIND

Maplewood’s businesses support each other; be on the lookout for special events, like their monthly Coffee Crawl or Sweet Tooth Tour.

UCITY/THE DELMAR LOOP

The pulsing heart of this vibrant neighborhood is the Delmar Loop, considered to be one of the “Great Streets” of America. The Loop gets more fun when the sun sets, when young crowds flock to the varied nightlife, enjoying everything from sports bars to hookah lounges to late-night cookie joints. Take a shameless selfie at the St. Louis Walk of Fame, honoring over 100 great St. Louisans. Or enjoy dinner and a show at Blueberry Hill, a dinner/concert venue that rock legend Chuck Berry put on the map.

KEEP IN MIND

Traffic can be a hassle on Delmar - especially now while the trolley is under construction - so bring your patience and scope out parking lots on Google Maps beforehand.

Dining Out

We have just a few thoughts on dining out in St. Louis. We recommend getting started with our Best Lunch Spots, Best Bars, and The Olio 8 Guide to St. Louis Restaurants.